Lebanese-born Canadian singer and songwriter Karl Wolf won a lot of hearts with a splendid performance at the Radio 1 Live event recently. In a chat with e+, Wolf, who spent a major part of his childhood in Dubai, spoke about his music and his style.
His influences:
Michael Jackson. I also like Sade and Prince. I like to dance, but I am a musician first.
His songs are inspired by:
Everything that touches me. There's nothing specific. I talk about good things and bad things – world problems as well as love and relationships.
Has the Arab culture inspired your music in any way?
As I was growing up I noticed Arabs shy away from our tradition. We try to be more Americanised. As I grew older I became more proud of being Arabic. I wanted to fuse some Arabic songs into my music. That's when I came up with the song Butterflies, which is so east meets west. I have professional musicians playing Arabic instruments on it.
Why do you say you want to move people's hearts and feet with your music?
I like to feel emotional with my music as well as make people dance. That's my style. All my songs have a beat to it and they will always be dreamy. So when you listen to my music you can ponder. I like to make people react.
Something you would like to change about the music today: Today, music has become very generic. Big recording companies push artistes to become stars even if they have no talent. Art is all about evoking the emotions in people. I don't think some of these artistes are being honest with their audience. Today, if you go to a studio, you can make anyone sing.
Any Arabic artiste you want to collaborate with?
I just finished a duet with Haifa Wehbe.
Any crazy thing that a fan did for you:
I had one girl sleeping outside my house at 6am. I think it's crazy to find a fan at your doorstep drunk and shouting and screaming.
What do you do in your spare time:
I studied films so I co-direct and produce my videos. I am acting as well, so slowly I am getting there too. To unwind I like surfing, spending time on the beach or playing basketball.
What do you do to keep fit?
I love working out. I like all the bumps on my body. I work out everyday for about an hour. My trainer helps me with my workout
Style:
I love caps and hats. I love shorts because they remind me of summer and I love vests because I can show off my muscles.
Are you planning to get into acting?
I am starting out by acting in my music videos for now.
Any Arabic films?
It's difficult to memorise lines in Arabic. Maybe I can do a cameo appearance.
Tell us about your new album:
My first album was softer and more deeper. My new album Bite the Bullet has more of club beats.
Favourite song from your own album:
Summer Days in Beirut. It's about my dad leaving Lebanon and remembering how beautiful it was before the civil war.
Log on to www.karlwolf.com
